Impact of opening an acute palliative care unit on administrative outcomes for a general oncology ward.
BACKGROUND
Acute palliative care units (APCUs) are gaining popularity in tertiary care centers. In this study, the authors examined the impact of opening an APCU on administrative outcomes for a general oncology ward (GOW) at a comprehensive cancer center.


METHODS
The GOW database was reviewed for 3 periods: June 2000 through May 2002 (before the APCU opened), June 2002 through May 2004 (transitional period, including APCU opening in a temporary location), and June 2004 through May 2006 (after opening of the APCU). Data were extracted on demographics, reasons for admission, admission type, waiting time for admission, length of stay (LOS), overstay (>2 days over expected LOS), death rate, and discharge destination. Linear regression analysis and the Cochran-Armitage test were used for data analysis.


RESULTS
There were 5340 admissions: The median patient age was 60 years, and 55% of patients were women. The most common primary cancers were head and neck (22%), gynecologic (21%), gastrointestinal (13%), and lung (12%). There were significant trends on the GOW in decreased admissions for palliative care (12.2%, 9.6%, and 7.9%, respectively, for the 3 periods; P < .0001), fewer inpatient deaths (11.4%, 8.6%, and 6.1%, respectively; P < .0001), and fewer patients with prolonged waits for a bed on a palliative care unit (3.4%, 3%, and 1.7%, respectively; P = .002). Admissions increased for interventions (10.4%, 17.3%, and 22.5%, respectively, for the 3 periods; P < .0001) and for chemotherapy (6.8%, 6.6%, and 9.7%, respectively; P = .001).


CONCLUSIONS
After the opening of an APCU at the authors' cancer center, the GOW experienced a decrease in administrative endpoints related to palliative and end-of-life care and an increase in endpoints related to cancer-directed interventions. Prospective studies with clinical endpoints will be required to determine whether this specialization of inpatient care improves quality of life, quality of death, and psychosocial well being.
Rigby
Andrew
A
School of Medicine, Health Policy, and Practice, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom.
Krzyzanowska
Monika
M
Le
Lisa W
LW
Swami
Nadia
N
Coe
Gary
G
Rodin
Gary
G
Moore
Malcolm
M
Zimmermann
Camilla
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002173:Cancer Care Facilities / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006739:Hospital Administration; D006757:Hospital Units; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010166:Palliative Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014850:Waiting Lists